Things Admiral Kaizoku would like to see in the Western Locust Crusade:

A big and desperate fight against the Locust forces, trying to understand them even as they overrun island after island. In the middle of the chaos of war, a desperate effort to bring all the regional powers together in an alliance against the threat. Meanwhile, Skullstone is making an offer of its own to them. I see the invasion starting from the Southwest, rather than the far west, allowing for the further-off nations to think distance will protect them. Later... a climactic battle leaving the Autocthonians vulnerable and the Maker himself exposed! Then negotiation, understanding and peace! And then the Silver Prince unleashes the sinister plan he's been working on in The West in an effort to kill/enslave the primordial!

Strange engineering! The Autochthonians would probably think there's some HUGE pipe leaking under all the water of the sea. Not having any experience with the often-hostile oceans, they'd try all sorts of methods to transport men and materials. The wind-up mine carts they use as cavalry could have paddlewheels installed and function as jet skis. Warstrider-sized flying Alchemicals could transport platforms of troops rather than risking the seas. They might even try building a pipeline or a tunnel between islands after their early naval combat efforts don't work out well. The giant iceberg aircraft carrier idea the British had might work out for them. It'd be hard to sink that!

Solar Circle Sorcery! The Admiral's been trying to rediscover its secrets for years (without demonic help). In this desperate hour, perhaps his quest would succeed. On an island that's now behind enemy lines? Likely not with many spells, and none the best spells for the job... the power of Cleansing Solar Fire would please greatly him any other time, but now? He could lift the Shadowland from the Isle of Shadows then (and give it a better name) though. The Essence use of the Factory Cathedral suddenly appearing would light up the Loom of Fate like a Christmas tree and everyone and his lion-dog would know where the base is then.

Talking some sense into Leviathan (Is the Admiral the returned shard of his old pal? Does Monkey bear an uncanny resemblence to his late lover?) and bringing the massive mobile base of Luthe into the war. Probably back to The Isle of Shadows to get refitted first, a dangerous and vulnerable journey. The above two could lead to...

The defense of the Isle of Shadows! (or perhaps it's Sunfist Isle by that time). As it becomes clear that the Isle is the lynchpin of the West's defense, there's a major assault against it (plus it's a rich source of magical materials!)! Can the Sword of Heaven defense manse be brought online in time to turn the tide? And how? Who would have the command codes!?

Romance! The Admiral's bad timing could lead him to find a pleasing match in a companion in the middle of the chaos! Kalonice Stormind, the pirate Night Caste works out west. They could meet at an important gathering and hit it off, then have to set sail in different directions the next day. The Admiral is ill-equipped to win a battle of the hearts, and even worse, would have Monkey giving him advice! Plus a romantic rival in the form of Moray Darktide, who he's wanted to decapitate for years on general principles anyway!

Noble adversaries! An Orichalcum Exalted could be a foe the Admiral respects and even has some compatible ideals with. They might cross swords and break it off short of a conclusion on several meetings before the final battle, as seen in so many console RPGs.

Clash of technology! The Unconquered Sun against a late-model Autocthonian dreadnaught that is every bit as powerful! Warstriders vs. high-essence Alchemical Exalted! The Admiral's First-Age warstrider could be waiting in Luthe, and an airborne clash with wing-equipped Celestial Battle Armor against an airship!

Things Tony would like to see

Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla. Check out Godzilla: Final Wars for some inspiration too.
Nation Building with a system that doesn't suck. This probably excludes Mandate of Heaven.
Warfare with a system that doesn't suck. This definitely excludes the standard Exalted Mass Combat. (Right now the GM and I are thinking of using the system from Burning Empires.)
Romance. I want Monkey to give Kaizoku some advice. The result should be entertaining.